1. Provide examples
of types of
upward and
downward
communication
messages. How
could social
media be used to
aid the process?

2. What is Upward/Downward
Communication?
Upward Communication is the process of information
flowing from the lower levels of a hierarchy to the upper
level
(Reports, social gatherings, suggestions box, questionnaires, direct contact.
Grievance System, Complaint and Suggestion Box, Job Satisfaction surveys)
Downward communication: is the process of information
flowing from the higher levels of a hierarchy to the lower
level
(notice, circulars, instructions ,orders, letters, memos, bulletins, hand books,
annual reports, loudspeaker announcements and group meetings, providing
job instructions, employee performance feedback)

3. Upward Communication
Contact Type How It Can Be Improved
Suggestions Box • Old suggestion boxes and website forms
don’t get much traction.
• come from the interplay and free
exchange between employees.
• Create opportunities for employees to
get together and brainstorm.
Direct Contact • Gives the employees the opportunity to
ask questions at any time to senior staff.
• If the manager tweets about new
projects and what they are doing,
employees can comment making them
feel involved.

4. Downward Communication
Contact Type How It Can Be Improved
Notice boards • Creates a community
• Allows employees to raise issues
VLOGs • Gives the managers the opportunity to
release videos about the company’s
future.
• Enables employee meetings to be
recorded and distributed.
• Employees can comment and ask
questions.